BOOK REVIEW: I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Let me start with a little disclaimer: Uncovered is, primarily, a blog that focuses on -you guessed it - contemporary women's fiction, widely known as 'chick lit'. However, I personally enjoy many genres, so whether it's a light-hearted, funny romantic tale, a crime novel, a mystery to curl up with or one of the classics - I'm there. So even though this blog is home to my favourite genre - chick lit - now and again I might include a review of something different.

Just letting you know, folks.

Anyway, onto the review! I Let You Go is the new novel from Clare Mackintosh. I came across the novel whilst book shopping, and after seeing that it was recommended to fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train (both of which I absolutely loved), I couldn't leave without it. For which I'm very, very glad.

After a tragic event that changes her life forever, Jenna Gray feels as though she has to get away. Leaving her life in Bristol behind, sculptor Jenna heads for rural Wales - a place where she can start a whole new life. Renting a remote, coastal cottage and with little belongings, Jenna just manages to get by.

When her beautiful beach photographs are admired by locals, Jenna begins to make some money - and it's a step towards rebuilding her life after the tragedy. Despite the grief that she still feels, the voices in her sleep and the thoughts that often haunt her, things are generally getting better, especially when she starts up a friendship with the local vet.

Meanwhile, in Bristol, police inspectors Ray and Kate have refused to give up on a case - the tragic accident which changed Jenna's life. Jenna fled to Wales to move away from the hurt, but it's only a matter of time before the past collides with Jenna's new-found happiness.

I absolutely loved every page of I Let You Go, and found it very difficult to actually put the book down. Granted, it's quite difficult to explain some of the aspects that made it such a great read as I do not want to spoil anything at all, but I will say that this is an addictive read. The story focuses not just on Jenna, but it also delves into the relationship, and personal lives, of the police inspectors working on the investigation, which worked brilliantly with Jenna's story. The twist at the end of the book was shocking; completely unexpected, but again, due to spoilers, you'll have to read I Let You Go yourself. And if you're a fan of psychological thrillers, I would definitely recommend this one. I'm hoping Claire Mackintosh releases more books in future, as she is a highly talented writer.

1 comment

Completely agree, I read this book in like 3 sittings haha! And loved the Ray/Kate storyline too. I Let You Go made it onto my top 5 thrillers that keep you guessing (which you can check out here if you're interested: https://readbyjess.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/top-5-thrillers-that-keep-you-guessing.html) I've read a lot of reviews of this book, and everyone loves it! Seriously hope it gets made into a movie or something...